Dancing Queen

When I was little, I loved wearing anything that was brightly colored and sparkly. As I get older though, the colored sections of my closet have been shrinking and the black part has been growing. But then I found then found these amazing shoes and I think I want to be little again...

Amazing, right? These Louboutins would set me back $2,830 at Bergdorf Goodman, so I think I will have to pass on the real ones, but instead of lusting over them I am going to try a DIY!
I found these at Spiegel (via shopstyle.com... be careful with this website though - it is way to addictive!) for only $7.99! Crazy, right? I bought a pair in deep violet (there wasn't a picture), so if they fit, look forward to my first DIY tutorial!

{a little paint and a ton of rhinestones can go a long way}

And shhh... don't tell, but I couldn't resist these either:

{I think they will be gorgeous with dark skinny jeans and a black top. Only $9.99 too!}

Listening to: Colbie Caillat
Thought of the Day: "Go for long walks, indulge in hot baths, question your assumptions, be kind to yourself, live for the moment, loosen up, scream, course the world, count your blessings, just let go, just be." -Carol Shields

Rainbow of Reads

For some reason, I really don't understand antiques; I just don't get why people would want old stuff on their shelves. This weekend though, I was visiting a friend who enjoys the hunt for these collectibles so we explored a few shops in Historic St. Charles , a charming neighborhood connected by cobblestone streets and full of historic architecture (my favorite!), shops, and restaurants on the Missouri Riverfront. Despite coming across many toys that I recognized from our own collection of toys in my parents' basement (I didn't know I was that old!), I actually found a few things that I would have considered purchasing, such as old postcards, maps, and books. Ever since I watched Beauty and the Beast as a little kid, I have wanted a library in my house, ideally with a sliding ladder, and these old books would have made perfect additions to my future collection.
But, since I am going to be a teacher and am still a college student, I think this library will be in the very distant future, but I can dream, right? I love these...

... but these might actually work in my new apartment bedroom this fall. The last one is only $14 and can be used to make the middle picture's stack. Now I just need to increase my collection of colorful books!

{images via: sfgirlbybay, Domino Magazine, Simply Seleta, Umbra}

Listening to: "First Train Home" Imogen Heap
Thought of the Day: "You have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world!" -Harriet Tubman

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

I'm not a huge cinnamon roll fan, but today I was in the mood to bake and something cinnamon sounded great. If you have never had homemade cinnamon rolls, please make this recipe; it is super-simple and delicious. Even my little brother who is the pickiest eater ever loved them (well, until I mentioned that they had pumpkin in them - oops!).


Warning: once you make homemade cinnamon rolls, you won't be able to go back to any other type.


Amish Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Glaze
adapted from RecipeGirl (via Love and Olive Oil)
makes 12 rolls (it really is only supposed to make 6,but mine made 12)

Dough:
1/6 cup low-fat vanilla soy milk (you can use skim milk too, but I really like soy)
1 Tbs. margarine
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 Tbs agave nectar (you can use 1 Tbs. sugar)
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg white
1 1/8 tsp. active dry yeast (or 1/2 package)
1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
1/2 cup bread flour
1 Tbs. honey
Filling:
1/6 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 Tbs. margarine
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
Glaze:
1 Tbs. margarine
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbs. low-fat vanilla soy milk
1/8 tsp. vanilla extract
dash of salt
1/4 cup powdered sugar

1. Put butter and milk in a microwavable bowl and heat for 50 seconds, or until butter is almost melted.
2. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin, agave nectar, and salt. Add milk mixture and beat with an electric mixer until well mixed. Beat in egg white and yeast. Add flours gradually, beating on low speed for about 5 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl frequently. Dough will be really soft and gooey, but it's okay.
3. Spray a bowl with cooking spray, place the dough in the bowl and grease the dough lightly. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
4. Place dough on a floured surface and knead a few times incorporating as much flour as needed to form a more smooth and elastic-y dough. It won't look/feel like normal bread dough but will turn out fine - I promise!
5. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12x10 inch rectangle.
6. In a small bowl combine cinnamon and brown sugar. Spread margarine on the dough in a very thin layer. Top with a thicker layer of pumpkin puree. Sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture.
7. Starting with the longer side, roll up dough like a jelly roll. With a very sharp serrated knife, cut in twelve 1-inch slices. Place rolls in a lightly sprayed baking pan.
8. Cover and let rise for about 45 minutes (you can also cover and put in fridge overnight).
9. Preheat oven to 350F. Drizzle rolls with honey and bake for 20-ish minutes or until golden. Remove and let cool.
10. Meanwhile, combine butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over low heat until melted. Remove from heat and add milk, vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar. Whisk until well combined. Add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired thickness. Drizzle over rolls and enjoy!

Listening to: "Settle for a Slowdown" Dierks Bentley
Thought of the day: "Find your purpose and fling your life out to it. Find a way or make one. Try with all your might. Self-made or never made." -Orison Swett Marden


Image via Love and Olive Oil}

Happy Friday!

I can't wait for this weekend to start! I am going to St. Louis for a meeting and (more importantly!) to visit some amazing friends. I hope you have a relaxing weekend with plenty of giggles.


Listening to: "You Look Good in My Shirt" by Keith Urban
Thought of the Weekend: "Live in the present. Launch yourself on every wave. Find eternity in every moment." -Thoreau

{Image via Le Love}

Zesty Zucchini

Summer at my house always means tons of fresh produce from the garden, sitting on the counter just begging you to enjoy it. A few days ago, the zucchinis and summer squashes began to ripen and I have been looking for some fresh and light ways to use them. The combination of the sharp cheese, sweet basil and crunchy almonds was delicious.


Zucchini and Squash Toss

1/2 medium zucchini
1 small yellow summer squash
1 tsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. chopped basil
1/2 Tbs. sliced almonds

1. Coarsely chop zucchini and squash, place in a small bowl with a little water, cover, and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes.
2. Drain (if necessary) and top with cheese, basil, and almonds.
3. Enjoy!

Listening to: "Meet me halfway" by The Black Eyed Peas
Thought of the day: "Be strong. Live honorably and with dignity. When you don't think you can, hold on." -James Frey

Pat on the Back

I don't know why, but I am feeling a little blue today. Coffee, hard-earned endorphins from the gym, and a working laptop (my AC adapter decided to stop working so I had to buy a new one) aren't helping, but maybe this will work some magic.

Listening to: The Parent Trap soundtrack
Thought of the Day: "Happiness is not ready made; it comes from your own actions" -Dalai Lama

{Image by My Soup}

Peace, Love, and Fashion

Confession: I love taking online quizzes about your personality, style, where you should live, what you should do, etc. Dorky, right? But for some reason, I like to be able to categorize myself.


So, when I saw "Find Your Summer Style" on Instyle.com, I was super excited. Looking through the slideshow though, I was surprised to see that I didn't match with the preppy look that I thought I was. I really love the "Chicster" look of Cameron Diaz, Katie Holmes, and Heidi Klum and the (surprise!) the "Bohemian" a la Kate Hudson and Nicole Richie. They seem so glamourous yet laidback - perfect for summer!
This however reaffirms my need to find some denim cut-offs... I have been looking all spring and summer and still can't find the perfect pair. Ditto for more dresses. Suggestions?

{Photos by Glamour}

Listening to: "Laughing With" by Regina Spektor
Thought of the Day: "The best way out is always through." -Robert Frost